A fleet of gritters was on standby last night as forecasters warned the north and north-east were facing another wintry blast.
A stream of cold air hurtling down from the Arctic will bring rain, strong winds – and blizzards.
Commuters have been told to expect disruption throughout the region with the Met Office predicting up to six inches of snow could fall on high ground and up to four inches at lower levels.
The whole country, including the Western and northern isles, is subject to a yellow “be aware” snow warning for most of today and tomorrow.
There is also a risk of icy surfaces and lightning in some areas.
A Met Office spokesman said that evening travel today may be badly disrupted.
He said: “An active cold front is expected to push south-east across the UK during Wednesday, introducing an increasingly cold and unstable air mass.
“Showers will become frequent and heavy, falling primarily as snow and driven well inland by strong to gale force northwesterly winds.
“Commuters and other travellers seem likely to face a variety of winter hazards, especially later on Wednesday and early on Thursday, although it’s likely that snowfall in some areas may be more patchy, particularly towards the east.”
Winds were already picking up yesterday, with gusts of 69mph recorded at Cairngorm.
Meanwhile, passengers hoping to travel between the west coast and the Inner and Outer Hebrides were warned to check before travelling.
A handful of CalMac services were on amber alert last night, with warnings that sailings today could be cancelled at short notice.
Bear Scotland said it would have up to 90 vehicles out on the north’s trunk roads, including five fast tractors.
Salt treatments were due to start at 4am this morning.
Eddie Ross, Bear Scotland’s north-west operating company representative, said: “We urge road users to drive to the conditions as this further period of wintry weather sets in.
“It is essential to check for up-to-date travel information before setting out on a journey and ensure you and your vehicle are well prepared for winter conditions.
“As the snow will be showery, the conditions may be favourable at the start of your journey, however they are likely to change.”